PDD NOS

There are five pervasive developmental disorders in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) including autism and PDD-NOS. The terminology can be confusing with regards to the autism spectrum of disorders, especially when trying to define what autism is. The PDD category in the DSM IV is complex, making identifying certain conditions difficult. The broad spectrum has a range of symptoms and severity.

Pervasive developmental disorder is a category in the DSM-IV that outlines the different types of disorders on the autism spectrum. It is important to recognize that an individual can be diagnosed on the autism spectrum without having autism in particular. The first step to understanding the terminology is to make a distinction between PDD and PDD-NOS.

Pervasive developmental disorder is a category that contains five conditions including autism and Asperger syndrome. Pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified is a specific diagnosis within this category. Some refer to the PDD-Not Otherwise Specified as a subthreshold condition that has some of tge characteristics of other disorders in the autism spectrum, but not all of them.

Basically, people with this diagnosis have some of the symptoms of other autistic conditions but they do not have enough to fit in the autism, Asperger, Rett or childhood degenerative disorders. The diagnosis may be considered a catchall by some but it is still a significant condition that requires proper treatments.

Pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified goes by a number of different names. Some refer to the condition as atypical autism because the individual has some autistic characteristics and the diagnosis falls within the autism spectrum. Other terms commonly associated with this diagnosis include atypical personality development and atypical PDD.

No matter what the designation, specific criteria must be met in order for a diagnosis to be made. Symptoms can include:

• Significant impairment in communication
• Lack of eye contact
• Self-stimulatory behaviors or repetitive movements
• Unusual focus on certain interests
• Significant impairment of social interaction
• Rigid patterns of behavior

There are no specific guidelines for the diagnosis of PDD-NOS. For example, one child may have significant problems with communication but does not engage in self-stimulatory behaviors. Another may have appropriate communication skills but significant impairments in social interaction.

Individuals who have this diagnosis exhibit a range of severity in symptoms. Some cases are quite mild while others are very severe. Many think that all cases of PDD-NOS are high functioning but many are not. Severe detriments in language and social development are possible within this diagnosis.

Whether severe or not, children do not exhibit typical childhood behavior. Identifying the condition begins with recognizing the unusual behaviors and symptoms that are characteristic of the autism spectrum of disorders.

The Childhood Autism Rating Scale is an excellent tool for identifying symptoms of autism in children. This questionnaire addresses specific issues including play, social interaction, communication skills, and behaviors.

Part of the process of diagnosing the condition relies on the answers provided by parents about their children. The evaluator rates the child’s functioning in 15 categories on a scale of one to four. The categories fall under the following topics of concern:

1. Social development
2. Physical development
3. Transitions and change
4. Auditory processing
5. Verbal Communication

Autism spectrum disorders have a wide range of symptoms and severity. Identifying the common bonds within the category of pervasive developmental disorder is an important step in making the correct diagnosis. The right diagnosis is an integral part to a proper treatment plan.

While there are many similarities among individuals within the pervasive developmental disorders diagnoses, there are many differences as well. Each person requires individualized attention and no two cases are exactly alike.

Whether the individual displays high functioning or low functioning behaviors, it is important to have regular reevaluations. The evaluations help determine the ideal treatment approaches and teaching strategies. The interventions should focus on specific goals and they should work with the individual’s strengths and interests.

A diagnosis of PDD-NOS may seem like a catchall but it is a very important factor in providing insight into the common bonds people with pervasive developmental disorders share. It also illustrates the vast differences they have as well.

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